Description
Get ready to elevate your chicken dinner with this irresistible recipe for Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks with Homemade BBQ Glaze. Juicy drumsticks are wrapped in smoky bacon, seared to crispy perfection, and glazed with a sticky, tangy BBQ sauce that caramelizes in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or looking for a gourmet twist on a classic, these drumsticks are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken drumsticks (approximately 1 kg)
- 0.44 lb fresh or smoked bacon (about 200 grams), thinly sliced
- 3–4 tablespoons BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the drumsticks generously with salt, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to coat evenly.
Step 2: Wrap the Drumsticks
- Take a slice of bacon and tightly wrap it around each drumstick, starting at the top and working your way down.
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if necessary.
Step 3: Sear the Drumsticks
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the bacon-wrapped drumsticks into the skillet and sear them on all sides until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Drumsticks
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Step 5: Glaze with BBQ Sauce
- Remove the skillet from the oven and generously brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the BBQ glaze to caramelize.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the drumsticks for garnish.
- Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- BBQ Sauce Tip: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a personal touch. Add honey or sriracha for a sweet or spicy twist.
- Crispy Bacon Tip: Sear the drumsticks thoroughly before baking to ensure the bacon crisps up nicely.
- Alternative Cooking Method: You can grill these drumsticks instead of baking them for an extra smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven-Baked and Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American